Forehand Fundamentals
* Grip: Semi-western forehand
* Stance: Open stance/semi-open stance base, split step
* Swing: Unit turn, low-to-high, contact in front
* Drills: Self-drops β coach
Serve Fundamentals
* Grip: Continental
* Toss: Consistency and placement
* Swing: Trophy position β pronation through contact β follow-through
Return of Serve
* Ready position, split step timing
* Blocking vs swinging return
* Target zones
* Drills: Controlled serves β forehand & backhand returns
Consistency & Footwork
* Rally control: tempo, depth, net clearance
* Footwork: Recover to center, adjustment steps
* Patterns: Forehand β backhand alternating
Net Play: Volleys
* Forehand/backhand volley grips (continental)
* No swing, punch technique
* Positioning & ready stance
* Drills: Coach feed to volley targets β approach + volley
Backhand Basics
* Grip: Two-hand or one-hand (based on student)
* Swing path and contact
* Comparison to forehand mechanics
* Drills: Drop feeds β coach feeds β crosscourt rally
Technical Tune-Up
* Key cues:
* Load on back leg β transfer through contact
* βLift and driveβ β low to high with forward weight
* Contact in front, wrist relaxed, brushing up and forward
* Drills:
* Shadow swings w/ mirror or video
* Slow ball fed β exaggerate weight shift & topspin
* Feel 70% effort, clean & fluid swing
Ball Feel & Spin Control
* Drills:
* Rally crosscourt only β goal: net clearance + depth
* Topspin targets: mini cones 3β5 ft inside baseline
* Use heavy ball feeds β practice lifting with legs/hips, not arm
Penetration & Margin Training
* Focus: Ball height (net clearance) + depth (deep targets)
Match Play Scenarios & Pattern Development
Focus: Apply tactics under pressure.
* Build point patterns: A/B/C go-to sequences based on strengths
* Shot tolerance & mental routines: managing momentum and errors
* Performance review: tactical strengths, weaknesses, & improvement plan
* Outcome: Player leaves with a clear, repeatable game plan.
Directional Control & Short Ball Attack
Focus: Build pressure through consistency and execution.
* Cross vs down-the-line: when and why to change direction
* Short ball recognition: approach, angle, or drop shot
* Drills: Controlled rally direction + short ball feeds β finish at net
* Outcome: Player learns to create and capitalize on offensive moments.
Defensive Skills & Court Positioning
Focus: Turn defense into opportunity.
* Court zones: offense (inside baseline), neutral (on baseline), defense (behind baseline)
* Handling heavy/high balls: neutralizing with depth or spin
* Reset patterns: deep crosscourt, use of moonballs, slice, height
* Drills: Deep ball defense β transition to neutral or offense
* Outcome: Player stays in the point longer and creates chances to flip it.
Small Details to Reduce Errors
* Early takeback, modern/nextgen forehand takeback
* Contact in front, never late
* Avoid muscling the ball β use legs and core
* Breathe out at contact to reduce tension
* Know when to reset the point (deep, safe ball)